Sheikh Hasina: Lawsuit threat over Bangladesh PM 'tail' error

If you asked me last year I would have said it was crazy to read about someone in power of a country throw a hissy fit about a typo. Sheikh Hasina wanting to sue a cinema for misspelling tale is not something that should be newsworthy but it is. We have come to a point of no return because of people like Donald Trump who do things to get attention for things that don't matter. There is even going to be a general election soon that might have taken a back seat because people are too worried about a typo. It's about time real news gets back in the driver's seat to help inform people about the real problems.




https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-46252184

By:Ariana

Inside El Chapo’s Vast Network: What We Know After the Trial’s First Week

https://www.nytimes.com/2018/11/18/nyregion/el-chapo-trial.html

The trial to convict the drug lord, Joaquin Guzman Loera, otherwise known as El Chapo has finally begun. Even before the trial started last week, 2 jurors asked if they could be dismissed because they were too afraid of "casting judgement on El Chapo. This will be the first time American prosecutors will have a chance to lay out what they known about a major Mexican Cartel. The trial started off with testimony from the cartels accountant/logitics chief . Guzman is expected to testify later this week. Lawyers are speculating a testimony may be given to the effect of an illegal donation made to the now president of Mexico of around $6 million. It will be interesting to see if any backlash comes against the current President of Mexico given his alleged close involvement. I do have to admit I am very spectical as to whether this will do anything to combat the drug trafficking issues caused by the cartel, as a new head can always take over and resume business. I think the most American prosecutors can hope for is vital intel into how the operation works. Maybe then that can be used in the future to stop the cartel at some point.

Peru says ex-president has sought asylum in Uruguay

Former president of Peru, Alan Garcia, went to Uraguay for diplomatic asylum due to the revoke of his passport because of allegations of corruption. He was believed to be recieving money from a Brazilian construction giant called Odebrecht. Odebrecht has a history of working with politicians with a previous president resigning because he hid the fact that he used to be a consultant for the country. Garcia pushed the country towards a conservative country where Odebrecht played a supporting role.This is not the first time that Garcia has fled the country.

https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/peru-president-sought-asylum-uruguay-59279560
Chloe Ma

Iraqi war victims turn to social media to find medical help

In 2007, a 6 year old Saja Saleem was coming home from school in northern Iraq. Out of nowhere, she is spinning in the air after being struck by a roadside bomb. She lost her eyesight, right arm and ear from the bomb. She is now 17 and she had to drop out of school because other students were complaining about her looks. Because of this feeling of being ostracized, she turned to social media as on outlet. The medical field from where she is located, is not the greatest. People around the world know this. Therefore, she has been offered by a surgeon to have her reconstructive surgery done at no cost. Her family believes that is very lucky that she actually got this help. Not everyone who has done this before gets the same help.

By Jake Rogers
Article link below:
https://www.apnews.com/2d2c40df8a4c40e59fc52b5c951d6037

China Moves Closer to Allowing Foreigners to Control Insurance Ventures

China, who has been on a crash course towards capitalism during the 21st century, has begun to deregulate from joint ventures to private ownership of insurance companies earlier than expected. Britian's Prudential PLC and Canada's Sun Life Financial Inc are two companies who are looking to submit applications to own more of their Chinese insurance ventures. Much doubt has been expressed concerning whether China would truly be conducting regulatory overhaul due to the recent Chinese-U.S. trade war, but instead China is deregulating quicker. Insurance in China is not that lucrative despite an emerging Chinese middle class, as the Chinese public is generally unaware of insurance practices in China.

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-insurance/china-moves-closer-to-allowing-foreigners-to-control-insurance-ventures-sources-idUSKCN1NN0UW
Kevin Phelan

Lion Air: Some are looking where to place the blame, others wonder if their pilot can fly their plane

After several weeks of the Lion Air crash off the coast of Indonesia, there are reports of what happened.  Reports are saying that Boeing didn't tell the pilots about a new safety feature that automatically lowers the nose of the plane to prevent stalling.  If the people behind Boeing have let the pilots know how to operate or turn off the safety feature, the catastrophe could have been avoided.

This blog was written by Connor Hazzard

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/lion-air-some-are-looking-where-to-place-the-blame-others-wonder-if-their-pilot-can-fly-their-plane/ar-BBPPHN9

Sudan's fashion police shave off afros

Letter from Africa: Sudan's fashion police cut off Afros

Article by BBC News

In the last few weeks, media users in Sudan have been horrified by videos of young men's afros being shaved off by the former Janjaweed forces in areas of Khartoum, the capital. The Janjaweed militia, accused of carrying out atrocities in Darfur in the early 2000s, now have a new role. They were accused of riding horses into villages seen as sympathetic to rebels, burning them to the ground, killing the men and raping the women. It is not entirely clear why they have now started shaving off afros, but the hairstyles tend to be associated in conservative religious and social circles with people who are "deviant".

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-45920853

Blog post by Brandon Torrence

"#ThisIsNotConsent: Protests in Ireland after..." NPR

https://www.npr.org/2018/11/16/668636051/-thisisnotconsent-protests-in-ireland-after-thong-underwear-cited-in-rape-trial
Isa Chudzik

This article details protests going on throughout Ireland over a lawyer using a 17 year old's underwear, which happened to be a lace thong, as a defense for her client who was 27 and accused of raping the teenager. Adding fuel to the fire, the jury unanimously found the man not guilty. The uproar is justified in that this shows just how different sexual assault trials are treated compared to other crimes across the globe. A person, usually the victim's, private life as well as potential sexual history is put on show for all to see, now including their intimates. Questions of "were you asking for it" and "What were you wearing" are consistently asked of the victim, even though at is #1 Irrelevant #2 Not a standard of any other type of trial. The United States has also had its fair share of controversy when it comes to sexual assault and the judicial system. Most recently, the case of Brock Turner who only had to serve 3 months of his already short sentence. Although I think movement like #MeToo and #ThisIsNotConsent are helping bring awareness to this problem, I don't believe anything will truly change unless people in positions of power implement them.

Tougher palm oil rules agreed amid polarising debate over crop -Emilio Lopez

This Article was written on Al Jazeera

The current environmental issue the world is facing today has been brought by palm oil plantations. These plantations need to grow in tropical areas and require a lot of land. The land commonly used for these plantations are in the rain forest and many producers are causing a mass deforestation in the local area. However, new rules have been set in place on manufactors of palm oil to limit their development of new lands. Calling for a ban on increasing in "wet lands" as the destruction will have severe impacts on the eco-system. This issue is controversial to the international relations community, because many nations from around the world affect the outcome of these rules that are placed in countries in Asia. One significant nation was England after a large supermarket chain has vowed to not use palm oil products in its super market to hold protests with it. Along with this the foundations in control of these rules are given a lot of pressure by foreign nations for not taking enough action against those that violate the rules set in place. It is important for us to be mindful of this issue as sustainability is a growing problem in our world and the international community.

Article Link:
Tougher palm oil rules agreed amid polarising debate over crop

-Emilio Lopez

Jair Bolsonaro's rise to power casts shadow over UN environment conference

This article poses that Bolsonaro, Brazil's next president, will be terrible for the country's environmental preservation. Brazil being the most bio-diverse country in the world, and the home of the Amazon, has in recent years become a leader on the world stage for environmental conservation. but with Bolsonaro that is likely to change, stating that environmental protection is, "tomfoolery" and that it is just an effort by other countries to interfere with Brazilain affairs.   

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/nov/18/jair-bolsonaro-election-sparks-fears-for-brazil-biodiversity

The Trump Administration Again Is Considering Ways To Force People To Wait In Mexico

The Trump Administration Again Is Considering Ways To Force People To Wait In Mexico For Their Immigration Cases

Posted on November 16, 2018, at 4:11 p.m. ET

US immigration officials met this week to discuss a proposal to send those who arrive at the US–Mexico border to Mexico while their immigration cases are being processed in the United States, according to sources close to the administration.

The meeting, which included officials from US Citizenship and Immigration Services, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and US Customs and Border Protection, was meant so officials could consider a potential regulation that would apply immediately to individuals at the US–Mexico border, including asylum applicants.

Such a proposal would forgo the normally deliberative system that allows for public comment before a new rule is implemented. The ACLU recently sued the administration for following such a process when it instituted major changes to asylum applications at the border.

Piper Jones

409 Injured as Tax Protests Persist across France

AP-  According to the French Interior Minister Christophe Castaner, there were 409 people in France that were injured while refusing to end fuel tax hikes this weekend.  14 of those protesters are in critical condition. The protesters, nicknamed "yellow jackets" due to French being required to have a yellow jacket in case of emergencies in their cars, blockaded major roads and created traffic jams across the country. According to Castaner, there were 150 blockades scattered across the country. At night, numerous fights that included knife-slashing occurred at the blockade sites, including fighting amongst protesters. Castaner stated that 157 people were detained for questioning. The protests started because the tax increased for diesel and gasoline, and has now expanded to include the decreasing buying power of French Citizens and President Emmanuel Macron's policies. Currently, Macron has not made a statement in regards to the situation at hand.  Troyes Mayor Francois Baroin stated that silence is not the right answered, and that protests send a powerful message all-over France.

Anthony Hernandez

https://a.msn.com/r/2/BBPPTXe?m=en-us&referrerID=InAppShare

Kenya bans NGO group from offering abortion services

The Kenyan government decided to take away the rights from Marie Stopes in offering abortion services. Marie Stopes is an NGO abortion service that offers help to women for non-governmental help in getting aid to use abortion services. Abortion is a sticky subject for many individuals because of the pro-life/pro-choice debate. I chose this article not to pick a side or say my opinion but the article and the circumstances that this has affected Kenya. Kenya is a state that does not allow abortion and is illegal. The reasoning Marie Stopes works among Kenyan women is because it is an NGO group that does not follow under the government regulations and therefore is a loop hole to the law among illegal abortion. Once the Kenyan government was aware of this they banned the international health organization to no longer provide those services to women. Only under the circumstances that it is because a women is in danger. There is debate on whether the Kenyan government was wrong in stepping in to this NGO group or if they have the right to do so since it is occurring in the country itself. This NGO provides many other services for women and girls that gives them the chance to stand up for themselves and have a support system. It will be interesting to see how the future of this debate plays out and what final ruling happens if they decide to fight against the government.

-megan jensen

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-46254630

In Colombia, kids learn barista skills with the goal of saving the country's coffee culture

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/colombia-kids-learn-barista-skills-goal-saving-country-s-coffee-n937466

In Marsella, the heart of Colombia's coffee country, Julián Murillo, an eight year old boy describes the process as he cautiously makes a Chemex-method brew. As of now, Julián is learning these coffee skills for fun, but there is a larger goal in mind. That is the goal for low coffee prices, climate change, and a rapidly-aging coffee work force; thus, it's more important than ever to get kids excited and invested in keeping the coffee industry alive and successful. If kids like Julián don't stay on the land, Colombia's smooth Arabica coffee, served by cafe chains around the globe could disappear. Nonetheless, if coffee programs for kids succeed, the next generation could truly conserve Colombia's centuries-old culture, while providing better local jobs and better-tasting coffee for consumers.

By Isabel G. Torres

Drunk Pilots Prompt Alcohol Rule Change at Japan Airlines

A new breathalyzer was introduced in August last year in Japan, but Japan Airlines pilots have failed the test 19 times since then. A reporter from a newspaper stated that there had been 12 domestic flight delays due to this problem. Japan Airlines pilots were found to be 10 times over the legal alcohol limit back in October at London Heathrow airport. There were some pilots who were arrested but another reporter stated that many of the pilots are not tested before a flight. Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways had a meeting with the Japanese government where the representatives made a public apology and took responsibility for the actions. New regulations include no drinking 24 hours before a flight, alcohol inspection on the ground, and a 20% pay cut due to the pilot who got arrested.

- Sangay Chhoki

https://www.cnn.com/2018/11/16/world/japan-airlines-failed-breathalyzer-scli-intl/index.html

Khmer Rouge leaders found guilty of Cambodia genocide

Two leaders of the Pol Pot's Khmer Rough regime in Cambodia, Nuon Chea and Khieu Samphan, have been convicted of genocide. This is the first time someone from the regime has been convicted. Chea was found guilty of attempts to wipe out ethnic Vietnamese Cambodians and Cham Muslims, while Samphan was found guilty of genocide against ethnic Vietnamese. This verdict is significant because it  confirmed that a genocide was happening in Cambodia. This regime was a radical Maoist movement that was created with implications to create an agrarian, self-reliant society. During the four years of this regime, people were tortured, killed, and even worked to death.

Link: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-46217896

Abby Widd

North and South Korea begin destroying border guard posts 


it is a good step forward with removing the some of the military posts from the borders of the two country's and easing the high tension area. also I'm surprised that both sides removed most of there troops and took away all the guns away from the border where the two sides actually and see each other.

by Shane Todd

Kim Jong Un tests 'high-tech' weapon in message to the US

North Korea has tested a "newly developed ultramodern" weapon in an event supervised by leader Kim Jong Un, state media said Friday, amid faltering nuclear disarmament negotiations with the United States. there was no details on the location of the event and little information about the weapon itself other than it is a tatical and had been commissioned "personally" by Kim's father and predecessor, Kim Jong Il. On Thursday, US Vice President Mike Pence said the US was backing down on a requirement for North Korea to provide a full list of nuclear and missile sites before a second meeting between Trump and Kim. Meanwhile an official with the North Korean Foreign Ministry said on November 5 that if the US doesn't start removing sanctions on Pyongyang, Kim could restart "building up nuclear forces."

By: Jack Bronec

https://www.cnn.com/2018/11/15/asia/kim-north-korea-missile-kcna-intl/index.html

There's Growing Fear The Ebola Outbreak In Congo Could Get Much Worse

The Ebola outbreak in Congo is getting and could get much worse, due to high tensions in the area. Health workers are faced with violence and hardships just to treat patients. The article explains that the responders are doing everything they can to combat the outbreak by isolating infected individuals. The problem is that many individuals get sick one or two months before they are able to detect the virus. Additionally, the high conflict present throughout this area does not help efforts to contain and combat the infections. The Ebola outbreak is concerning for other African countries and the international community as a whole because there is a good possibility that it can spread. Efforts from the international community have not been very high and the conflict is limiting response teams' abilities, which is quite alarming.

For more info:
https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2018/11/15/668263749/theres-growing-fear-the-ebola-outbreak-in-congo-could-get-much-worse

By: Alyssa Farney

Brazil's new foreign minister believes climate change is a Marxist plot

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/nov/15/brazil-foreign-minister-ernesto-araujo-climate-change-marxist-plot

As we have discussed many times in class, Jair Bolsonaro won the presidential election in Brazil, and has now appointed a new foreign minister. Knowing the views Bolsonaro has himself, it's not surprising that this appointee is controversial. Ernesto Araujo believes that climate change is a part of a plot by "cultural Marxists" to stifle western economies and promote the growth of China. Araujo states his goal is to "help Brazil and the world liberate themselves from globalist ideology". He also claims that leftist politicians have "hijacked" environmentalism to serve as a tool for global domination. Brazil has played a big role in the Paris agreement, so whatever this administration decides to do is crucial. However, the executive secretary of the Brazilian Climate Observatory said that climate is one area that Brazil can proudly boast to be a global leader, and he urges the new foreign minister and president not to isolate the country in this field. Hopefully the well being of Brazil's economy and agribusiness is a big enough incentive to continue to care about the climate on a national and global level.

By: Liz Metcalf

The hidden toll of American drones in Yemen: Civilian deaths

The hidden toll of American drones in Yemen: Civilian deaths

The United States for 16 years has used drones to attack Yemen. The U.S. is looking to stop              al-Qaida's branch in Yemen.

In this year alone, 30 of the dead have been civilians with no al-Qaida ties (1/3 of all drone killings). President Trump has issued 176 strikes in the past two years compared to Obama's 154 in eight years.

These strikes go unnoticed because of the immense amount of conflict in Yemen. The civil war has caused 57,000 deaths, and more may be due to starvation.

It is also very difficult to track the number of civilian deaths due to a drone strike. It is hard to no for sure if people are affiliated with al-Qaida or not, so the statistics may be off.

Web: https://www.apnews.com/9051691c8f8a449e8bb6fd684f100863
By: Morgan Knight

Caravan 'breakaway group' of several hundred migrants arrives at US border, officials say

https://www.foxnews.com/world/caravan-breakaway-group-of-several-hundred-migrants-arrive-at-us-border-officials-say

BY: Teddy Trifunovski


"The vanguard of the huge Central American migrant caravan pushing its way to the border arrived in Tijuana on Wednesday -- at least a week ahead of schedule." However, what is very interesting is that there was a breakaway group that fled to Tijuana on buses. Waiting on the American side of the border of Tijuana are many, many American troops. So it is going to be very interesting to see what ends up happening once the migrants encounter themselves with the U.S. troops. The migrant group arrived in the border town after nine buses trucked 357 travelers. It is reported that once they reached the border, they began to celebrate. But, it will be very interesting to see what ends up happening when the migrants encounter U.S. troops. I wonder if they are going to try to act with violence or not. President Trump said that they are not going to act with violence what so ever. So things will get very intense and interesting to see what happens once this goes down. 

Trump does not want more relief funding sent to Puerto Rico

https://amp.cnn.com/cnn/2018/11/12/politics/trump-puerto-rico/index.html?__twitter_impression=true

Nina Severin

After Hurricane Maria, the third deadliest, in Puerto Rico Trump does not want to send more aid than already allocated to Puerto Rico. Considering this is a US territory, this decision can become very problematic. Before the hurricane hit Puerto Rico was already in an economic downfall which created a detrimental environment for their present day economy.

Israel-Gaza border ignites after botched incursion

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-israel-palestinians-violence/israel-gaza-border-ignites-after-botched-incursion-four-dead-idUSKCN1NH0ZM
Palestinian military carried out an immense attack on  Israel, which is the largest since 2014. It is a sad story because the United Nations, Egypt, and Qatar were trying broker a long term truce between the two. However this attack has derailed there efforts and forced their efforts back. I am curious to what prompted this sudden and aggressive attack, and am fearful that this has fueled the fire for even more violence between Israel and Palestine. In order to stop these acts of violence, it is crucial that both parties ceasefire and stand down in order to form an agreement with one another.
Sho Kawajiri

The worst outbreak of Ebola in Democratic Republic of Congo

More then 200 people have been killed by Ebola since August and almost 330 confirmed or probable cases have been reported.
This is the worst Ebola outbreak in the country's history. This outbreak is the second time this year and began in North Kivu province before spreading to the east of the country. It is 10th time since 1976 that Ebola has struck the country.
Two health workweek died in one attack, while last month 11 civilians and one soldier were killed.
More than 1 million refugees and internally displaced people are in North Kivu and Ituri, and their movement through and out of the provinces is a potential risk factor for the spread of Ebola.
Last month, the WHO ruled that the Ebola outbreak did not meet the criteria for the criteria for a public health emergency of international concern. The organization said 27,000 people had been vaccinated against Ebola in the country but noted that WHO workers often were resisted to vaccinate and bury the dead by some communities due to issue of trust and misinformation.


https://www.cnn.com/2018/11/12/health/ebola-congo-intl/index.html

Kaho Sugimoto

Taliban attacks Afghan troops killing at least 30 - Kel Goff

The Taliban has attacked troops in Afghanistan killing at least 30 members who fought against the extremists. The dead were taken to the office of the governor on Sunday in Sang-e-Masha of Afghanistan. Those who were killed were members of an elite brigade of American-trained fighters known as "the Special Forces commandos" (Nordland). The more rural areas of Afghanistan, such as Jaghori where this most recent attack took place, are seeing an increase of Taliban attacks despite being once considered significantly safer areas. Alongside the 30 commandos who were killed, it is also been reported by Afghan officials that at least 50 militiamen and police officers were also murdered by the Taliban. Jaghori is not wealthy, nor are there paved roads or modern amenities. However, it is known as a fairly peaceful and progressive area to live in, as young girls are even expected to complete more schooling than that of their fellow female Afghani peers. The region is so peaceful, it even lacks a prison. Yet, the Taliban has violated this longstanding peace and attacked this district.

Click here to read "Taliban Slaughter Elite Afghan Troops, and a ‘Safe’ District Is Falling"

Protests and litigation overshadow messy recount vote in Florida

Kaitlyn Boelter-Eberhardt

There are many protests and litigations occurring this week due to the very messy election that occurred prior. Many are calling for a quick recount as votes seemed to appear and disappear for many. Even officials are unsure of where some votes have gone or are coming from. This mess is causing controversy in the nation as people question if the election in Florida had become a victim of fraud especially in Broward county, where Brenda Snipes is accused of "incompetence and gross mismanagement". There is a lot more to the story shown in the full text.

https://globalnews.ca/news/4654688/protests-and-litigation-overshadow-messy-recount-vote-in-florida/

Sexual violence is a widespread weapon of war- it's time international law caught up

The 2018 Noble Peace Prize was awarded to Nadia Murad and Denis Mukwege two people campaign against gender-based violence in wartime. Nadia Murad is a survivor of sexual violence and assault, her enslavement was caused at the hands of Isis. She became the UN Goodwill Ambassador for Dignity of survivors of human trafficking in 2016 she used her position to raise awareness the United Nations Security Council. Denis Mukwege Game to the claim for his work as a surgent, gynecologist as well as women's rights activists. He sounded Hospital in the Dominican Republic of Congo in 1999. He specializes in gynecological care and performing surgeries on women who have suffered rape and various sexual assaults. Both individuals have brought awareness to the reoccurring issue gendered nature of armed conflict. We are all well aware that sexual assault and violence is something that occurs during the war but there is nothing being done to stop it. Up until recent years, there were no laws to prevent or punish sexual violence. Although it's devastating to know that sexual violence has a bit of priority it also brings a sense of satisfaction that in 2018  are taking an issue like sexual violence seriously. It's outrageous that up until now we didn't deem worthy to talk about such a prevalent and reoccurring Act.

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/politics/sexual-violence-women-war-feminism-gender-isis-yazidi-boko-haram-nobel-peace-prize-a8595736.html

By: Ariana Rodriguez

Poisoned WWI Memorial

It has been 100 years since WWI. The forest of Verdun in France has been closed off to maintain the landscape as a trip to the past. The battle that occurred cleared everything out. There are still shells and plenty of remnants of the war there. Some groups of students go out and dig up large shells. Surprisingly it is not the shells or bombs that have made the area dangerous but the uses after WWI. Companies used the site for chemical testing which has left the land very toxic. Now 100 years after WWI and people cannot go in the forest anymore. The battlefield will be  untouched and poisoned for many years to come.

https://www.cnn.com/2018/11/10/europe/verdun-world-war-1-centenary-intl/index.html

Chloe Ma

The West Condemns "Fraudulent" Elections in Eastern Ukraine

The "Luhansk People's Republic" and the "Donetsk People's Republic" in Ukraine have finished their elections, all of which are being denounced and called "illegal" by Kyiv, the European Union, and the United States. NATO put out a statement calling the elections "contrary to the letter and spirit of the Minsk Agreements", also claiming that they "undermine efforts towards a peaceful resolution." Leaders of the two republics have stated otherwise, one candidate for the LPR went on record saying that the election does not contradict the Minsk agreement, saying that they are a "free republic" and a "free country." Ukraine's president went on record saying that the elections will be recognized by "no one", but it will be interesting to see how different countries in the east react, considering none have spoken against the elections yet. Will it be an international divide between the west and the east again, or will both sides find common ground on the so called "illegal" elections? We will have to wait and see.

Article
Dan Kowalczyk

Scotland Will Be The First Country To Mandate LGBTI Educationv

Scotland Will Be The First Country To Mandate LGBTI Education

Posted on November 9, 2018, at 2:46 p.m. ETPosted on November 9, 2018, at 2:46 p.m. ET

Scotland will be the first country in the world to include education on lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex issues in school curricula, after adopting recommendations that will make LGBTI education mandatory in all public schools by 2021.

“Our education system must support everyone to reach their full potential,” Deputy First Minister John Swinney said in a statement. “That is why it is vital the curriculum is as diverse as the young people who learn in our schools.”

Piper Jones

In Solemn Paris Ceremony, Macron Leads Global WW1 Armistice Commemorations

Today marks the 100^th anniversary of the end of World War One. In France, President Emmanuel Macron gave an emotionally charged speech in remembrance to those who lost their lives. Notable guests of this ceremony, which was held in Arc de Triomphe, were President Donald Trump, Chancellor Angela Merkel, and President Vladimir Putin. During the speech, Macron warned of the untold destruction and war that can accompany nationalism, stating, “Nationalism is a betrayal of patriotism” and that nationalism is an attack on moral values. Macron then went on to go into the harrowing effects of global war, and other speakers took the stage to commemorate the 100^th year anniversary. World leaders then met for lunch where they discussed global issues concerning countries such as: Iran, Syria, Saudi Arabia, and North Korea. The Paris Peace Forum also opened after the ceremonies, which strives to achieve multilateral action to assure global peace.  

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-ww1-century-paris/in-solemn-paris-ceremony-macron-leads-global-ww1-armistice-commemorations-idUSKCN1NF0SE

Kevin Phelan

Pompeo Faces a World of Challenges. Add House Democrats to the List.

This article highlights the fact that Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and the state department will be facing a much greater political pushback from the Democrat-majority House of Representatives, as they can supernova and regulate budgets concerning the state department. This could provide Democrats with the nectary power to push back against Trump's plans for foreign policy. Changing the political playing field, maybe even on things regarding the Khashoggi disappearance and our tenuous relations with Russia and China. The only thing that this change really ensures for certain is more chaotic partisan battling.

  https://www.nytimes.com/2018/11/11/us/politics/mike-pompeo-democrats-house-.html

Is the Pentagon Modifying Viruses to save crops?

Is the Pentagon Modifying Viruses to save crops

Article by Dan Charles

The flies start feeding on this plant, and as they do, they infect it with the virus. The virus starts replicating and moving throughout the plant. A person named Polston spent years studying this triangle of virus, insect, and plant so that she could figure out ways to disrupt it and stop viruses from harming crops. But she's now getting ready to carry out a different kind of experiment in a different greenhouse, a super-secure one that no one was allowed to visit. What's going on in that greenhouse is the brainchild of Blake Bextine, a program manager at the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency. He thinks there's a way to use this infectious triangle for good. "This is a beautifully elegant system that puts genes into plants, that causes negative effects. Why can't we turn this system upside down, and use it to deliver positive traits into plants?" Bextine says.

If you would like more information, the website is posted below

 https://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2018/11/07/658471432/is-the-pentagon-modifying-viruses-to-save-crops-or-to-wage-biological-warfare

After a weekend in Paris, President Trump faces challenges back home

After going to Paris to commemorate the 100 year anniversary of the end of World War One, President Trump has to go back to the United States and answer tough questions about the caravan and his attorney general.  However, there were reports that Trump was involved in hush money payment to women he assaulted.  Trump is going to have a tough week with a question that really affects global dispute, such as the Suadi Arabia incident. 

This blog is written by Connor Hazzard

  https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/after-a-weekend-in-paris-president-trump-faces-challenges-back-home/ar-BBPAPu5?li=BBnbcA1

Poland independence: Huge crowds march amid far-right row

The recent march in Poland for its independence day just occurred and this year far right groups from Poland and Italy had unnoticeably joined in on the parade. This day for Polish citizens is of high importance and the pride the country takes in this day is important to almost all the country. The issue and controversy of far right groups coming in to march in celebration of Poland's independence was seen as a rift in society. Many government officials were on the look out for any retaliation towards the march and high security was set in place. The questioning and hopeful progress in Poland is that, can nationalists and far right groups come together for more than one day of celebration and find a middle ground in their country or will there always be conflict.



-megan jensen

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-46172662

Trump on the California Wildfires

Due to the recent wildfires that struck California, many residents were forced to quickly evacuate and find shelter under overwhelming circumstances. Many houses were burnt down and people lost almost everything. While it is not clear what started the fires, we do know it was a result of forest fires; which can easily spread and ignite in the matter of minutes. In response to these tragic fires, Donald Trump had some interesting thoughts which he took to twitter to express. He tweeted "There is no reason for these massive, deadly and costly forest fires in California except that forest management is so poor. Billions of dollars are given each year, with so many lives lost, all because of gross mismanagement of the forests. Remedy now, or no more Fed payments!" After that one, he also tweeted "With proper Forest Management, we can stop the devastation constantly going on in California. Get Smart!" Trump believes these forest fires are a result of employees not doing their job and mismanagement. He received lots of backlash, even from celebrity's such as Katy Perry.

By: Sumayya Ali

Trump on the California Wildfires

Isa Chudzik- "World Leaders Warn Against Nationalism..."

https://www.npr.org/2018/11/11/666723219/world-leaders-warn-against-nationalism-at-world-war-i-remembrance-ceremony

Isa Chudzik

During a ceremony multiple world leaders attended to commemorate the end of WW1, President Macron of France took a dig towards nationalism, saying " "Nationalism is a betrayal of patriotism." Many (including myself) saw this as a chance for Macron to speak on the issues that made WW1 arise while also taking a dig at President Trump, who recently described himself as a nationalist. 

Gaza officials say six Palestinians killed in Israeli raid -Emilio Lopez

This article was written on Al Jazeera's website

Recently Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) went into the Gaza strip to carry out and undercover raid, which killed two commanders from Hamas. Hamas is a military right-wing group based in the Gaza strip that has clashes with the IDF. This recent event has caused a recent rise of clashes in the area, after the two commanders were killed and the IDF team leaving the area, airstrikes from the IDF killed four more Palestinians. However, it is unknown who of those were killed, it is suspected that they were also Hamas soldiers. Another detail that has just been released is that one IDF officer was killed in this operation while another was injured. This recent event impacts the international community, because it continues the ongoing clashes that happen in Israel and how many nations that support both sides are going to call for action to be done. Many may consider this as a sign of unnecessary aggression from Israel and condemn them. While others may encourage this to put a stop to the internal struggle. Either way the conflict in Israel is never ending.

Link to the article is below:

Gaza officials say six Palestinians killed in Israeli raid

-Emilio Lopez

As Brazil’s Far Right Leader Threatens the Amazon, One Tribe Pushes Back

https://www.nytimes.com/2018/11/10/world/americas/brazil-indigenous-mining-bolsonaro.html

The newly elected President in Brazil, Jair Bolsonaro, favors abolishing laws that protect indigenous communities and their land. While the government has steadily been cutting back on support for years,  Bolsonaro has gone as far as calling the indigenous people and their protests a "impediment for economic growth".  Many withing the indigenous community fear Bolsonaro may attempt to institutionalize a genocide of their people. More than 600 indigenous tribes have been harmed by years of illegal mining, and many already feel negatively about the government as it seemingly does nothing to help them. On the other hand, some tribes have resorted to participating in mining themselves as a means to survive. These tribes fear if Brazil successfully regulates mining while maintaining indigenous land, their means of survival will be taken away. If the Amazon continues to be razed, it will devastating effects on how much climate change.

--Jennie Fry